Introduction to Technology Systems
Technology systems provide a foundation of knowledge, of the software and internal hardware components of computer systems, and how they work. In this unit we explored the components that make up technology systems, and how these systems communicate with each other, and how data is transferred over a network. We also covered operating system software, utility and productivity applications as well as an introduction to programming.
How Was This Unit Assessed?
This unit was an exam based unit, covering technology systems, including the uses of technology systems, computer networking, high-level and low-level programming and the different types of software available. I was assessed by an onscreen exam which lasted 1 hour and was monitored by external verifiers.
What I Have learnt
To help study for the unit, we were given the official Pearson BTEC First Information and Creative Technology textbooks which are split into the individual units for the course. Each unit is then sectioned into learning aims for the assessment criteria, which for this unit were learning aims A, B and C.
In learning aim A we covered:
- Applications and Uses of Technology Systems
- Issues Involved with Technology Systems
- Computer Hardware Devices
- Computer Networking and Transferring Data
In learning aim B we covered:
- Internal Components of a Computer
- Processing Digital Data
- Memory and Storage
- Analogue and Digital Data
In learning aim C we covered:
- Different Types of Computer Software
- Introduction to Computer Programming Concepts
- Characteristics of High-Level and Low-Level Programming
- An Introduction to Designing a Computer Program
- Writing Computer Programs
Reflection of How I Worked
With this exam unit, I found it much easier to study as the topics covered within the unit were much more interesting, and the programming topics were easy to understand because I was enjoying learning them. However, there were still topics that I struggled to understand and remember, for example analogue and digital data, which I found extremely difficult to retain the information that I was studying on this topic.
In order to retain information, I need to see it written in front of me and rewrite the information by hand in order to grasp the topic. The problem with this topic was, when we were covering it in lesson, I wasn’t given much time to make notes and mull over the information that was covered, this meant that I basically lost any understanding I had during the lesson, the moment the lesson was over, which was incredibly frustrating.
What I need to further develop
I feel I need to develop my knowledge of networks, analogue and digital data as these topics felt rushed and I would’ve preferred a more in-depth approach to the topics, as it would broaden my understanding of these topics.
My Overall grade
My final grade for this unit was a Level 2 Merit.
Work I Produced During this Unit:
Work Completed during this unit:
Manufacturing Poster
Operating Systems Academic poster
Digital Portfolio 